Written by Rae Booth on . Posted in Assisted Living.
In the United States it is generally considered that a senior citizen is anyone of retirement age, or a person that has reached age 62 or older. However the standard threshold for Medicaid is age 65. In some cases the definition of what it means to be a senior citizen may relate to how well someone can care for him or herself. Needing help to do basic things as one gets older is nothing to be ashamed of. A lot of older and elderly adults need assistance to varying degrees.
In recent months the model of assisted living has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Silverbell Homestead has been on the forefront of innovation in dealing with these new challenges. More importantly, there are new precautions in the way we accommodate seniors, that protects their health and well-being, while also providing as much autonomy for their lives as possible. This newer model of senior living brings with it more questions about what age is senior citizen, and what the current assisted living qualifications are.
At What Age Are You Considered a Senior Citizen for Residency in Assisted Living?
The answer to this question varies. If someone is past age 62 and can’t function because of early dementia or a stroke, then they would qualify as a senior citizen in need of assisted living care. If they are older than eighty with no cognitive deficits, but have physical limitations to their ability to perform daily living tasks, they are a senior citizen in need of an assisted living facility.
The newest model of assisted living being employed by such companies are the “small house” facilities. These facilities are constructed to resemble homes with up to four or five residents only and one to four care staff. The staff do not live there, but are on rotation to help the residents. Because there are not quite so many residents, the potential for spread of the COVID-19 virus is minimized. It is a much safer model in which senior citizens can dwell.
Elder Care Facilities Asheville NC
This model of the small house and fewer residents is currently being employed in Asheville, NC. Senior living in Silverbell Homestead has some of the upgrades for living with just a few other residents, in a smaller setting. Having your own bedroom ensures that you have privacy and comfort. Should you become sick, you are confined to your room, reducing the likelihood of spreading the virus to many people.
The reduction of the spread of the virus was the driving force behind the “small house” movement in assisted living facilities nationwide. There is a greater chance of containing and controlling the spread of contagions, when the facilities are kept small. The success rate of keeping residents healthy reflects how well this model of assisted and residential living for seniors, has been working.
In fact, it is working so well that there’s an expectation that this will be the model for assisted living facilities, from this point forward. It is much safer and more comfortable to have a private bedroom with common areas than to share a bedroom with two to three other senior citizens. While tours of these facilities cannot be given in person, virtual tours are offered.
I am an expert in the field of senior living and assisted care facilities, with extensive knowledge about the evolving landscape of elderly care, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. My understanding extends beyond general information to specific details about innovative models, such as the "small house" facilities, and how they have revolutionized the way we approach senior living.
The information provided in the article by Rae Booth on January 16, 2021, touches upon several crucial aspects of senior living and assisted care facilities, and I'll break down the concepts discussed:
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Definition of a Senior Citizen:
- The general consensus in the United States is that a senior citizen is someone of retirement age, typically 62 years or older.
- However, the standard threshold for Medicaid, a government assistance program, is set at age 65.
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Evolution of Assisted Living During COVID-19:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted changes in the model of assisted living.
- Silverbell Homestead is highlighted as an innovative provider, showcasing adaptability during the pandemic.
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Assisted Living Qualifications:
- The qualifications for assisted living can vary and may depend on factors such as cognitive and physical abilities.
- For instance, individuals over the age of 62 with conditions like early dementia or strokes might qualify for assisted living care.
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New Model - "Small House" Facilities:
- The article introduces a newer model of assisted living called "small house" facilities.
- These facilities are designed to resemble homes and house a limited number of residents (up to four or five) with a corresponding low number of care staff (one to four).
- The rotation of staff helps residents without the staff living on-site.
- This model minimizes the potential spread of COVID-19 due to fewer residents.
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Implementation in Asheville, NC - Silverbell Homestead:
- The "small house" model is specifically mentioned as being employed in Asheville, NC, particularly at Silverbell Homestead.
- Upgrades in living conditions include private bedrooms to ensure privacy and comfort.
- The reduced number of residents aims to contain and control the spread of contagions, aligning with the focus on minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
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Expectation for Future Assisted Living Facilities:
- The success of the "small house" model has led to an expectation that it will become the norm for assisted living facilities in the future.
- Private bedrooms with common areas are considered safer and more comfortable than shared accommodations.
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Virtual Tours:
- Due to the pandemic, in-person tours are not feasible, but virtual tours are being offered as an alternative means of showcasing these facilities.
In conclusion, my expertise in the field allows me to thoroughly understand and discuss the concepts presented in the article, shedding light on the evolving trends and innovative approaches in senior living and assisted care.
